CBD has been found to possess antiepileptic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective and antipsychotic properties in clinical trials.
A double-blind study demonstrated that CBD could alleviate anxiety during an anxiety-inducing simulated public speaking exam.
Keep in mind that CBD may help reverse most pathological conditions by normalizing endocannabinoid tone.
1. Anti-anxiety
CBD has been shown to successfully reduce anxiety across a range of animal models. Experiments using elevated plus maze, Vogel conflict test and ETM experiments demonstrated systemic CBD administration resulting in antianxiolytic effects partially mediated by 5-HT1AR activation while remaining unaffected by CB1R blockade.
Studies using animal models that measure innate fear responses or anxiety-like behavior have also demonstrated CBD’s antianxiolytic and antistress properties. These animal experiments demonstrated how CBD reduces arousal- and stress-induced physiological and behavioral responses; blocks the consolidation of persistent fear memories; enhances extinction/desensitization; and enhanced long-term memory recall.
Study conducted on 57 men during a simulated public speaking test concluded that oral administration of CBD significantly reduced self-reported anxiety levels, though its dose-response curve was unclear and further research should be conducted in order to establish optimal dosing and assess its anxiolytic effects over time. CBD’s action as an allosteric modulator of the eCB receptor may explain its anxiolytic properties without producing psychomimetic or depressant-like side-effects.
2. Pain relief
CBD may help ease muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). A 2017 study involved giving participants with MS either CBD or placebo; CBD significantly reduced the number of MS-related spasms experienced.
CBD is also being studied for its effects on other forms of pain. A small 2018 study concluded that CBD significantly reduced PTSD symptoms among those suffering from fibromyalgia. Furthermore, two well-vetted studies demonstrated how CBD significantly reduced frequency seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
However, according to FDA recommendations it’s essential to select CBD products carefully. Any product chosen must come from plants grown under rigorous standards for quality and safety; seek a certificate from an independent laboratory testing each batch of hemp-based CBD for pesticides and heavy metals; ensure your CBD doesn’t contain THC that would cause you to fail a drug test at work or for other reasons;
3. Sleep improvement
CBD may help people struggling with insomnia find better rest. CBD may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, decrease awakenings during the night and increase NREM slow wave sleep. But for optimal results it is still best to practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and bright lights before bed.
CBD may help people sleep better by decreasing anxiety and improving mood. A retrospective chart review at a psychiatric clinic with patients suffering from both anxiety and poor sleeping found that anxiety declined within one month after commencing CBD treatment while sleeping steadily improved over time.
CBD may not affect circadian rhythms directly, but it does seem to help people who are having difficulty falling or staying asleep, including those suffering from narcolepsy. Just like with other sleep aids, however, taking the right dose at the appropriate time while using safe products that provide quality rest is key to getting enough shuteye.
4. Stress relief
CBD has been found to be a safe, non-toxic way of augmenting the endocannabinoid system and may help relieve stress. Studies indicate that CBD increases levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and positive mood) while inhibiting cortisol release.
Studies of oral CBD before an simulated public speaking exam demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety and discomfort compared to patients receiving the placebo group; this is likely attributable to its anxiolytic properties.
CBD may function as an indirect serotonin inhibitor by blocking the reuptake of 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors, increasing cell uptake of anandamide and TRPV1-2 vanilloid receptors, decreasing activity of alpha-1 adrenergic and u-opioid receptors, inhibiting synaptic uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine and gamma-aminobutryric acid and blocking low voltage-activated T-type calcium channels while stimulating production of Adenosine triphosphate production.[33]
Note that taking high doses of CBD may increase levels of certain blood-thinning and anti-seizure medicines like Clobazam. Furthermore, it may alter how your liver breaks down Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
